Sukanya was King Saryati's daughter. She was not only beautiful, but also clever and happy-go-lucky, She was the King's favourite child.

Not far from the capital city was a grove. There Rishi Chyavana lived. Chyavana was the son of Rishi Bhrugu.

He was ugly even as a child. He, however, learnt the Vedas so well that everyone respected him.

Chyavana did tapas in that grove. He lived in it for a number of years. A big ant-hill grew around his body. Only his eves could be seen through two holes,